Elloise Mitzi Negado is a rising music sensation who has cracked the code to having a unique and memorable name. On stage, she goes by the name EMN'98, and there's quite an interesting story behind it.
The 24-year-old musical powerhouse has created a name that reflects her unique style and identity as an artist and has made herself stand out from the crowd. "It came to me in a dream," she said. "My full name is Elloise Mitzi Negado, and 98 because I was born in 1998, hence EMN'98."
EMN'98 got her start by connecting directly with her fans online. She first made waves in the music industry by going live on her social media accounts and taking song requests from her followers. Fans quickly fell in love with her raw talent, magnetic energy, and willingness to take on any challenge. That's why when she entered and won the first-ever "The Next Odd Creature" contest by her current label, OC Records, her fanbase continued to grow, and she soon caught the attention of industry insiders.
Through hard work, dedication, and a connection to her fans, EMN'98 has become a true inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere. Her story is a testament to the power of following your passion and staying true to yourself. And with her incredible talent and boundless creativity, there's no doubt that EMN'98 is on her way to becoming a household name in the music industry.
EMN'98 recently sat down with PARCINCQ for an interview to discuss her career, inspirations, and experiences as a woman in the arts.
How did you first discover your passion for art, and what obstacles did you overcome to pursue it?
I came from a family of musicians po talaga. I grew up sa dad ko and his family we're pretty much all musically inclined. But even though that's their way of living, my dad never wanted me to focus on music. I understood him before because I was still young and studying, but looking back now, it's funny po kasi I remember sneaking out pa just to be able to perform outside and practice with my band, and I always hope na my dad wouldn't find out kasi he would be so mad. But now that I'm a professional artist and I get to put my music out there and they say that I made music, my life is finally paying off.
How do you stay motivated and continue to push yourself creatively?
I am my most creative self when I feel strong emotions. Whenever I'm sad or angry. But I can't be like that all the time. So, I talk to people. I like knowing stories from other people, and listening to different perspectives gives me different emotions, making me feel those experiences as well.
As a woman in the arts, what challenges have you faced in carving out space for yourself and your work, and how have you overcome them?
OC Records really helped me by allowing me to be myself, and they appreciate my being.
I know as a woman in this industry, we have a lot of expectations we need to meet, like how to act, dress, look, speak, etc., and some would like women to have a certain character. I simply don't follow. I think it's appropriate to see myself as the main character in my own life and live as who or what I want to be.
Women have historically been underrepresented in the arts. How have you worked to create opportunities for yourself and other women in the industry?
When I make music that makes others emotionally aware. I know a lot of women tend to keep their emotions hidden, so whenever I feel something for somebody, I write it out (or sing it out).
I think it's time for women to feel openly and disregard anything that may invalidate them. We're not vulnerable when we feel, we're aware. That's how we make something unique.
Can you share a time when you felt discouraged in your artistic journey and how you found the strength to persevere and succeed?
When I was starting out, I was seeing a lot of people online singing and being successful, and I thought to myself, "Why can't I do that?” Maybe because I was scared? Or I just felt like my music was not to their taste or might not be good enough.
But it was all in my head, and I realized that it's ok if I won't be everyone's cup of tea, because there's always gonna be one who's going to make me their favorite. So I kept on singing and making music, and now I'm here, being heard.
What advice do you have for other women looking to pursue a career in the arts and make a name for themselves in a traditionally male-dominated field?
Don't be afraid to try everything. If you do, you might miss a lot of times, but your experience will make you grow and help you aim better each time.
Women are not supposed to stand still; we have the power to dominate any field we want. Always stand your ground and make your voice heard, no matter what.
MORE ABOUT EMN'98:
Full Name: Elloise Mitzi Negado
Stage Name: EMN'98
IG: @emmn1998
Favorite food? Sinigang
Favorite Cocktail? Mojito
Favorite tattoo that you created? If you're asking me which is my favorite tattoo design that I tattooed on another person, it would probably be flash tattoos. My favorite tattoo on myself would be my chest tattoo and my colorful sleeves
Favorite comic book character?
Not DC or Marvel, I love Sir Manix's KikoMachine Comics; my fave character would be Bertong Badtrip; I see myself in him sometimes.
Favorite film?
I love myself a psychological thriller movie, so that would be Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind
Favorite Artist?
Now it would be MICHELLE
Favorite music genre?
Hiphop/ Indie Pop / Rock
Line of a song that perfectly emanates your perfect soulmate?
I can't stop for more than a minute
It's my body- i need you in it
-MICHELLE, Syncopate
The greatest girl power thing you ever did in your life?
When I finally spoke up about what happened to me when I was young and was able to tell women that it was okay, it will never be our fault, and they're not alone. I was able to find other women who had experienced or are experiencing the same thing, and I was able to share some comfort and assurance that everything will be okay.
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